During the holiday season we would like to remind all residents to be extremely careful with decorations, Christmas trees, lights and candles. The number of injuries and fires during the holiday season throughout the city has increased over the years. Please make sure Christmas trees are watered frequently and that holiday lights are safe to use without any signs of bare wires.

Do not place Christmas trees near any radiators or other sources of heat. Artificial trees should come with a label that states the tree is fire resistant. That label does not mean that the tree cannot catch fire, so precautions still need to be taken.

Candles should be extinguished when you leave your apartment. They should be placed on a stable surface where they cannot be knocked over by a child or a pet. Holiday lights of any kind should indicate that they have been tested by a nationally certified testing laboratory, such as “UL.” Check all extension cords to make sure they are rated for the intended use. Do not use cords with any cuts or signs of fraying. Never place an extension cord under a carpet as that is a fire hazard.

NYC Department of Sanitation will be doing their curbside Christmas tree recycling pick up from Monday January 5, 2015, to Friday January 16, 2015. Trees can be placed on the curb where the garbage is normally put out anytime during this period. The trees should not be wrapped and all lights, ornaments or other decorations removed. The city mulches the trees and uses the mulch in parks and playgrounds. Please take precautions when removing the tree from the building to try and limit the amount of needles that are dropped as they can be very difficult to clean up, especially from the elevator saddles. It is recommended to wrap the tree when removing it and then unwrap it on the street.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We wish you a safe and Happy Holiday Season.